February 2014 

NASA/TM–2014-218165 

Climate Change and Vector Borne Diseases on 

NASA Langley Research Center 

Stuart K. Cole and Russell J. DeYoung 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 

Marc A. Shepanek 

NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 

Ahmed Kamel 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
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February 2014 

NASA/TM–2014-218165 

Climate Change and Vector Borne Diseases on 

NASA Langley Research Center 

Stuart K. Cole and Russell J. DeYoung 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 

Marc A. Shepanek 

NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 

Ahmed Kamel 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
Available from: 

NASA Center for AeroSpace Information 

7115 Standard Drive 

Hanover, MD 21076-1320 

443-757-5802 

Acknowledgments 

This work was performed as a collaboration between the LaRC Science Directorate, HQ 

Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, and the LaRC Research Directorate, to 

fulfill the need for meeting the Center’s sustainability goals, assessment of adaptation 

approaches, furthering technological advances and research, recommending future 

research initiatives that fill gaps, and promoting opportunities for interdepartmental 

working relationships. NASA HQ funded this research through the Climate Adaptation 

Science Investigator (CASI) program. Acknowledgement is also given to the U. S. Air 

Force, Langley AFB for providing critical data used in the work. Of special 

acknowledgement are the consultations provided by Dr. David Gaines, State Public 

Health Entomologist, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health and his 

extensive depth of knowledge and expertise that he provided to this research. 

The use of trademarks or names of manufacturers in this report is for accurate reporting and does not constitute an 

official endorsement, either expressed or implied, of such products or manufacturers by the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration. 
Abstract

Increasing global temperature, weather patterns with above average storm intensities, and 

higher sea levels have been identified as phenomena associated with global climate 

change. As a causal system, climate change could contribute to vector borne diseases in 

humans. The vectors of concern for this paper originate from the immediate vicinity of 

Langley Research Center (LaRC) such as insects including mosquitos and ticks that 

transmit disease that originate regionally, nationwide, or from outside the continent of the 

United States. The vector borne diseases of concern in Virginia include: Dengue Fever, 

West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, Ehrlichiosis (Rocky Mountain spotted tick 

fever), Malaria, and Lyme disease. Recognizing these changing conditions, vector borne 

diseases propagate under climate change conditions, and understanding the conditions in 

which they may exist or propagate presents opportunities for monitoring their progress 

and mitigating their potential impacts through communication, continued monitoring, and 

adaptation. As personnel comprise a direct and fundamental support to NASA mission 

success, continuous and improved understanding of climatic conditions, and the resulting 

consequence of disease from these conditions helps to reduce risk in terrestrial space 

technologies, ground operations, and space technology research and development. This 

research addresses conditions which are attributed to climatic conditions which promote 

environmental conditions conducive to the increase of disease vectors. Included in this 

investigation is the evaluation of local mosquito population count and rainfall data for 

statistical correlation and identification of planning recommendations unique to LaRC 

and other NASA Centers to assess adaptation approaches and Center-level planning 

strategies.

1
I. Introduction and Background 

 Climate change may impact the NASA Centers in both expected and unexpected 

ways. These impacts include sea level rise, changing weather patterns, intensity of 

weather patterns, increased ambient temperatures and environmental conditions may 

make conditions conducive to increased populations of insects or other disease carrying 

vectors. The cumulative effect of these environmental conditions may affect both the near 

and long term operation of NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) potentially directly 

or indirectly, and consequently impact the capability to meet mission requirements. 

 This research investigation was initiated to help identify the conditions to be 

observed for an increase of disease vectors due to climate change and to create 

opportunity for recognition of those vectors as a risk to personnel. In support of this 

investigation, mosquito counts from Langley Air Force Base (AFB) were analyzed with 

National Oceanographic and Atmosphereic Administration (NOAA) average monthly 

rainfall data to determine statistically if any correlation could be identified. Further, it is 

necessary to educate personnel concerning strategies that may reduce the risk of disease 

vectors.

 Walther et al. identified that global average temperature and sea level have 

increased, and precipitation patterns have changed. The ecological results of recent 

climate change show changes in ideal habitat for a range of plants, insects and animals 

resulting in migration of species across substantial territory.(1) Global temperatures are 

projected to continue to rise over this century, depending on heat-trapping gas emissions 

and how sensitive the climate is to those emissions. U.S. average temperature has risen 

more than 2o F over the past 50 years and is projected to increase in the future. 

Precipitation has increased an average of about five percent over the past 50 years. Karl

et al. indicated that projections of future precipitation generally indicate that northern 

areas will become wetter, and southern areas, particularly in the West, will become 

drier.(2) Shifting ranges for disease vectors such as mosquitos, ticks and fleas, including 

their disease-causing pathogens may adversely impact wildlife.(3)

 With any change in the climate, there are expected changes to environmental 

conditions that result in opportunities for emergence of insect populations, and 

concomitant emergence of harmful pathogens may occur. Outbreak events that have 

occurred recently requires continued observation which helps in understanding the 

propensity to the further spread of disease. These events should be continuously 

monitored including the pattern of infection. As an example, we note the outbreak that 

was identified for the West Nile Virus that occurred on the East Coast of the United 

States. In this case, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) identified that the vector for 

infection for the West Nile Virus was directly related to the culex mosquito. The culex 

mosquito has been noted to possess a short life cycle of several weeks, develops in the 

presence of water within a limited temperature range, and has a very limited flight 

range.(4) Much of the mid-Atlantic, including Virginia was exposed to the virus after an 

2
unusually mild winter and warm summer. It was noted that the loss of life, extended 

hospital stays and expense of educating the public, aerial and truck spraying areas of 

standing water with chemicals to interrupt the life cycle of the mosquito resulted in a 

substantial human and economic impact.(4) The virus moved across the United States, 

starting on the East Coast of the US in 1999 and reached the U.S. West Coast, 

Sacramento, California, in 2005. Barber et al. estimated that the expense of treating the 

disease, lost wages and expense of aerial spraying for one outbreak was estimated to be 

$2.3 million.(5) Based on the observations made in this case, continuous monitoring of 

disease outbreaks and the climatic condition in which they occur should help to reduce 

their impact by knowledge of their status and condition thus improving the posture for 

preparedness.

 Another event that has been identified as an example for the spread of disease is 

shown in Figure 1 where the number of cases of dengue fever from 1995 to 2005 in the 

U.S was reported.(6) Knowlton et al. found that two types of mosquitoes were capable of 

transmitting dengue fever can now be found in at least 28 states.(7) Suggesting long-term 

trends as temperatures rise, it becomes necessary to understand the potential for 

transmission of dangerous diseases to other parts of the contiguous United States. At the 

same time, the specific types of mosquitoes that can transmit dengue fever have become 

established throughout 28 states and the District of Columbia, and across the south and 

mid-Atlantic regions. The establishment of mosquitos and the prescence of disease bench 

rests the opportunity for local disease transmission to LaRC personnel. 

 Even slight changes in climatic temperature can have a substantial impact on the 

presence of environmental conditions conducive to the development or movement of a

pathogen in hosts such as insects, birds or amphibians. Insects and pathogens causing 

disease in humans respond to different environmental influences that create conditions 

for disease transmission to vertebrate animals and humans. Gage, et al. addressed the 

variable influence of environmental conditions with the associated disease vectors, and is 

summarized in Table 1.(8)

3
Figure 1. Dengue fever reported cases from 1985 to 2005 and the vector disease range in 

the U.S. Red areas have reported the presence of dengue fever mosquito species.(6)

4
Table 1 

Selected examples of climatic factors influencing the transmission and distribution of vector borne dis

Selected Notes on etiology 

Although no single factor can explain levels of human malaria risk, claffect the transmission and geographic range of this disease. Temperaspeed of development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito vector aof the mosquito (and hence the number of potential mosquito generatitherefore, vector abundance). Plasmodium falciparum transmission is below 16°–19°C (61°– 66°F), whereas P. vivax development can occu14.5°–15°C (58°–59°F). Malaria parasite development also cannot oc33°–39°C (91°–102° F) for P. falciparum and P. vivax The northward reach of dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus disease

attributable to global changes in climate but rather to importation of threceptive ecosystems during times when local climate is favorable for Human exposure to tick-borne pathogens is restricted to geographic lotick populations and the tick-borne pathogens are established. The timtick-borne diseases in humans is determined, in part, by seasonal patteticks. The incidence of tick-borne diseases is a function of tick abundain ticks, and contact rates between humans and infected ticks Parmenter and others demonstrated that human cases of plague in New frequently following periods of above average winter–spring precipitademonstrated that time-lagged late winter– early spring precipitation wwith the frequency of human plague in northeastern Arizona and north

number of days above certain threshold temperatures (35°C [95°F] anArizona and New Mexico models, respectively) was inversely correlanumbers and it was suggested that high temperatures might adversely transmission of Y. pestis by fleas. Parmenter proposed a trophic cascapositive effect of precipitation on the frequency of human plague. Accincreased rainfall in this semi-arid region leads to enhanced availabilitand heightened rodent reproduction, factors that are likely to increase among rodents and the spread of the disease to humans. 

Effective Climatic 

variability or climate 

Disease distribution; pathogen development in vector; development, reproduction, activity, distribution, and abundance of vectors; transmission patterns and intensity; outbreak occurrence Outbreaks, mosquito breeding, abundance, transmission intensity (extrinsic incubation period) Transmission rates, pathogen development in vector, distribution of disease and vector Vector distribution, phenology of host-seeking by vector Frequency of cases, phenology of host-seeking by vector, vector distribution Vector distribution, phenology of host-seeking by vector Phenology of host-seeking by vector Development and maintenance of pathogen in vector; survival and reproduction of vectors and hosts; occurrences of historical pandemics and regional outbreaks, distribution of disease 

Climatic Factors 

Temp., rainfall, humidity, El Niño–related effects, sea surfacetemperatures Temp., precipitation Temp., precipitation Temp., precipitation, humidityTemp., precipitation, humidityTemp., precipitation Temp., precipitation Temp. precipitation, humidity, El Niño–related events 

Vector 

Mosquitoes Mosquitoes Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks Ticks Ticks Fleas

Disease 

Parasitic vector borne diseases Malaria (Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum)Arboviral diseases Dengue fever (Dengue virus) West Nile virus disease (West Nile virus) Tick-borne encephalitis (Tick-borne Encephalitis virus) Bacterial and rickettsial diseases Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia burgdorferi, B. garinii, B. afzelii, or other related Borrelia)  Human granulocytic anaplasmosis(Anaplasma hagocytophilum) Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chafeensis) Plague (Yersinia pestis) 

5
 Gage, et.al. summarizes that the determination of the effects of climate change on 

the incidence, spread, and geographic range of vector borne diseases can be challenging. 

Although past outbreaks have sometimes been associated with extreme climate events 

and climatic variability, confidence in using these studies for predicting future events is 

often low. This is partly because of the lack of adequate long-term data sets tracking 

relevant variables in most regions, including the distribution and abundance of vectors 

and the past incidence of vector borne diseases. If a particular vector or vector borne 

disease suddenly appears in an area, additional efforts should be undertaken to determine 

whether this range extension is temporary or represents an actual establishment of the 

vector or a focus of infection. In fact, communication and coordination of health 

authorities could help ameliorate conditions affecting the pathogen, disease vector and 

relevant environmental variables.(8)

 The challenging nature of the effects of climate change on desease vectors was 

noted based on an analysis performed as a part of this investigation as it relates to local 

rainfall and moquito count data for Hampton, Virginia and Langley AFB. 

 To aid in the elimination or reduction of impacts from any vector borne diseases, 

vigilance by NASA health services and personnel should be increased to a level of 

routine awareness. This awareness includes gaining knowledge of information sources 

such as: 

x Hampton, Virginia (http://www.vdh.state.va.us/LHD/Hampton/index.htm), 

x State (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/), or

x National (http://www.cdc.gov/) public health disease surveillance programs. 

These prorgams serve to provide early warning on the emergence of vector borne 

disease. With global trade and travel, disease flare-ups in any part of the world can 

potentially reach the United States and vice versa.(10) As the world gets closer to LaRC 

and NASA’s personnel and resources continue to be integrated into the world’s scientific, 

engineering and economic community, monitoring activities will need to include global 

ongoing surveillance strategies for early, accurate and reliable detection of risk factors or 

health effects that may result from or be related to climate change, especially where 

vector borne disease is of concern.(11)

 The spread of vector disease in the United States and Virginia has occurred 

recently and ongoing activities are engaged for monitoring the spread of disease. Prior to 

1999, there was no mosquito-borne virus in the U.S. that caused mortality in birds in such 

high numbers as West Nile virus. Since the introduction of West Nile into the United 

States, the monitoring activities used in many states include testing dead birds for the 

presence of the virus.(12) Continued reporting of disease outbreaks in humans and the 

environment, public awareness compaigns, and individual responsibility to remain 

informed help avert further spread of disease. 

6
 The Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health (VDH) monitors vector 

borne diseases and alerts the public when new outbreaks occur. Based on discussion with 

the VDH(11), the following information was gathered: 

x The Gulf Coast tick, Asian tiger mosquito, and the Lone Star tick have been identified

as pests that should be closely monitored inVirginia. 

x Controlling tick populations by controlling endemic populations of deer is important. 

Deer hunting is a viable method for control of zoonotic carriers of disease (i.e. deer), 

and populations of deer within a reserve cannot be suitably or totally inoculated 

against tick infestation with measures such as four-posted feeding stations, as they do 

not prove effective with naturalized populations of animals that have learned to 

forage within a reservation. 

x Migration of new species of insects does occur in Virginia and some mosquitos have 

been known to migrate from northern latitudes of New York State to the south. 

x Movements of insects cannot be fully or solely attributed to climatic conditions. More 

study is needed on climate change impacts effecting migration.(13)

II. Climate Change and Langley Disease Vectors 

 Langley Air Force Base (AFB) has maintained counts of summer mosquito 

populations in the Langley area from 2005 to the present.(14) The data includes the trap 

type, date, mosquito count, and mosquito classification. Using Google EarthTM the 

location of the various traps was plotted as shown in Figure 2. The traps are located in 

populated and well as unpopulated areas. 

Figure 2. Langley Air Force Base Mosquito Trap Locations 

7
 The mosquito count data was evaluated for location versus total mosquito count 

data for the trap locations for the years 2005 to 2012. It was noted that the trap Lt-1 had 

the highest total counts for all the years recorded while location trap GV-1 exhibited the 

least counts. Trap Lt-1 is an unpopulated marsh area whereas GV-1 in located near a 

more populated area of Langley AFB.

 Studies have been performed which indicate that heavy rainfall data does have a 

correlation to incidence of dengue fever.(15)(16) To evaluate the potential impact of 

precipitation on mosquito populations at LaRC, the National Oceanographic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) total average monthly precipation for Hampton, 

Virginia, and the total monthly mosquito counts were evaluated for the period from 2005 

to 2012, and during the months of May to October.

 The mosquito count and rainfall data were analalyzed statistically on an annual 

basis using correlation and regression techniquies for the period from 2005 to 2012. No 

significant statistical relation could be ascertained for this limited set of data for annual 

counts. An analysis was then conducted on a monthly average of mosquito counts and 

corresponding average monthly precipitation. A trend was found for years 2007-2012 as 

shown in the Figure 3. The data suggests that over a long period of time there is a 

correlation between mosquito counts and precipitation. 

Figure 3. Trend of Mosquito Count versus Average Monthly Rainfall, Year 2007 to 2012 

 The results of the analysis suggest a correlation between increased rainfall and 

increased mosquito population for local conditions at Langley AFB. The strength of the 

analysis would be greater if there were more frequent sampling of mosquito counts 

(daily or weekly) and daily rainfall data were used. It was also recognized that additional 

information should be factored into future research including: moquito spraying times 

Mosquito Count Langley AFB 

(Year 2007 to 2012) 

Average Monthly Rainfall, Hampton, VA 

(Year 2007 to 2012) 

Average Rainfall (In.)

8
that occurs at Langley AFB, weather data to include pan evaporation data, and the 

number with optimum moquito temperature days in the range of 75° F to 85° F. In 

addition, it is suggested that a predictive capability be used in future research using a 

mechanistic approach similar to the model developed by Tran et al. for the Asian tiger 

mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)(17) or by Gong et al.

where mosquito population dynamics are driven by major environmental factors 

including temperature, rainfall, evaporation and photoperiod.(18) The use of a predictive 

model would help to optimize mosquito spraying for their control. 

 Nothwithstanding the statistical analysis performed, it is generally recognized 

that with increased rainfall, warming trends and low evaporation, the population of 

mosquitos increases with opportunities for vector born disease to fluorish within warm 

blooded mammals. Gage, et al. indicated that prediction of the relative impact of 

sustained climate change on vector borne diseases is difficult and requires long-term 

studies that look not only at the effects of climate change but also at the contributions of 

other agents of global change such as increased trade and travel, demographic shifts, 

changes in land use, water availability, and other issues.(8)

 Although mosquitos play a significant role in the spread of diseases, ticks also 

contribute to its spread. There are three conditions that would be considered ideal for the 

growth of ticks. Once these conditions are met, ticks are able to thrive through their 

multiple life cycles. These three conditions are: humidity, temperature, and availability of 

blood. (19) Levia, et al. identified that Lyme disease cases have increased enormously 

(380% increase in Minnesota, 280% in Wisconsin, and 1,300% in Virginia from 1997 to 

2007) and presented a theoretical model that illustrates how reductions in small-mammal 

predators can sharply increase Lyme disease risk. Deer and Lyme incidence however 

were uniquely positively correlated in Virginia.(20)

 Tick habitat includes the edge of leaves, tree branches, grass, or anything that can 

be used to elevate them. Then they latch onto any creature walking by using their front 

legs. After that, some ticks may attach instantly to the closest available skin, and some 

wander to an ideal spot where they become difficult to detect.(21)

 When considering an expansion of the pedestrian walk paths at LaRC, into or 

adjacent to the woods, the paths should be wide enough that individuals walking on them 

would not have to be in contact with the foliage. Ticks are likely to position themselves 

on grass and leaves so that they can latch onto those passing. The trees or other foilage 

that are located along the path should be trimmed to the point where it cannot come in 

contact with the individual. 

III. Mitigation of Vector Risks 

 The risk of personnel becoming sick from diseased vector sources such as 

mosquitos and ticks is likely to increase in the future. Mitigation of the vector risks 

therefore is of primary importance, with prevention being the first line of defense. Under 

9
these circumstances, the goal is that facility and program design account for these risks, 

from the design of walking paths to schedules for spraying for mosquitos. In addition, all 

personnel should remain vigilant with respect to vector borne diseases and take the 

necessary precautions to protect their health. Personnel represent the highest value asset 

to NASA, and their continued good health remains significant to the overall success of 

the NASA mission. 

 Informing personnel of the importance and techniques to mitigate vector risks 

include the reduction or elimination of conditions which promote the increase of these 

vectors, such as: 

x Assuring good positive drainage around facilities, buildings, drainageways, or grassed 

areas where ponding or pooling of water can be reduced or eliminated, 

x When outdoors wearing long sleeved clothing, tucking in clothing, applying 

appropriate insect repelents, and doing tick checks frequently, 

x Wearing netting when required to work in moquito infested areas, 

x Maintaining clear cut areas, avoid high grass areas, and stay on paths,

x Reporting unusual bird death,

x Reporting any health related problems from tick or mosquito bites. Carefully 

removing and saving the tick, if possible, and bringing the tick to the attending 

physician, and 

x Continuing local monitoring of mosquitos and precipitation so as to apply the 

increased data frequency to mechanistic models for use in determining optimum 

mosquito spray times. 

 Recognizing that the public health activities will focus on adaptation through 

reducing harm from the effects of climate change(22), the planning recommendations of 

Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force(23) could be followed to mitigate the 

consequences from changing environmental conditions. These planning activities 

include:

x Applying constructive preventive measures to missions and operations: 

Considering what exposures personnel will have during the conduct of their work. 

Addressing need for personnel to monitor their habits and environment so as to be 

aware of their potential for disease exposure. Using effective deer population control. 

x Developing, prioritizing, and implementing actions: 

Emphasizing to personnel how to protect themselves from exposure to insects, and be 

knowledgeable of the current conditions in the field and while walking on grassed or 

wooded areas. 

x Evaluating and learning: 

Recognizing that there are monitoring activities ongoing within the Langley AFB, 

and obtaining information from valued news sources, and other published sources 

about the insect population and disease occurrence.

10
x Building awareness and skills: 

Being familiar with local sources of information: 

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/ ,

http://ccrm.vims.edu/coastal_zone/climate_change_db/examples/health_page.html 

(24)

Taking the information home and sharing with family and friends. 

IV. Conclusions

 Recognizing that changing climate conditions may impact NASA LaRC needs to 

encourage personnel to change their behaviour including how we protect ourselves from 

disease vectors such as ticks and moquitos. Changing climatic conditions resulting in 

increased precipation and warming trends may lead to an increase in mosquito and tick 

populations assuming land use and other factors remain constant. Additional monitoring 

of local mosquito counts would help greatly in modeling and facilitate prediction of 

mosquito populations. Future research involving mechanistic modeling that includes this 

increased data frequency should help to optimize spraying for mosquito control. 

 Mosquito and tick poulations are often difficult to predict, but they are anticipated 

to increase in environments where wetter and warmer climate conditions prevail. Outdoor 

activities at LaRC could increase opportunities for employees to be in more direct contact 

with diseased pests. This includes awareness that the local deer popluation could 

represent a hazard in the form of improving the availability of food source for ticks as 

vectors for disease. Thus efforts to monitor and contain the deer population should be 

considered. 

 NASA Langley is moving to a more integrated infrastructure called “New 

Town”. This will be a more campus like environment where employees will be closer to 

those in other buildings and thus encouraged to travel outside between buildings. This 

will result in more exposure to outside vector borne diseases. 

• When thinking about expanding the paths at Langley into the woods, the paths should 

be constructed wide enough so that individuals walking on them should not be 

brushing up against plants. Ticks are likely to hang off the leaves that are on the side 

of the paths so that they can latch onto anyone walking by. The trees that are above 

the path, they should be trimmed to the point where they cannot come in contact with 

the individual walking in front of them. 

• A campus like environment has the advantage of a smaller outside vegetation area to 

maintain. Shrubs will need to be cut back from walkways and grass cut short to 

discourage mosquito populations. 

 Individuals must be aware of the hazards for disease carrying pests and must 

continually educate themselves and others of the potential hazards that exist. Health 

officials and personnel should continue to monitor for local and regional health concerns 

11
and maintain awareness of any trends that express opportunities for emergence of 

disease. 

 The NASA Climate Adaptation Science Investigators (CASI) Workgroup was 

formulated to assist in the development of climate adaptation strategies for NASA as 

whole and for individual Research Centers such as LaRC.(25) The continuation of the 

work by the NASA CASI should result in continued positive benefits and protection of 

NASA personnel through continued research and implementation of activities that incur 

sustainability goals within the framework of continual change in the climate. 

12
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14
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15
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved

OMB No. 0704-0188

2. REPORT TYPE 

Technical Memorandum

 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Climate Change and Vector Borne Diseases on NASA Langley Research 

Center 

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

 6. AUTHOR(S)

Cole, Stuart K.; DeYoung, Russell J.; Shepanek, Marc A.; Kamel, Ahmed

 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

NASA Langley Research Center

Hampton, VA 23681-2199

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

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 REPORT NUMBER

L-20354

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NASA

13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Ahmed Kamel worked at Langley under the Langley Aerospace Research Student Scholars (LARSS) program.

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Unclassified - Unlimited

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14. ABSTRACT

Increasing global temperature, weather patterns with above average storm intensities, and higher sea levels have been identified as phenomena associated with 

global climate change. As a causal system, climate change could contribute to vector borne diseases in humans. Vectors of concern originate from the vicinity 

of Langley Research Center include mosquitos and ticks that transmit disease that originate regionally, nationwide, or from outside the US. Recognizing 

changing conditions, vector borne diseases propagate under climate change conditions, and understanding the conditions in which they may exist or propagate, 

presents opportunities for monitoring their progress and mitigating their potential impacts through communication, continued monitoring, and adaptation. 

Personnel comprise a direct and fundamental support to NASA mission success, continuous and improved understanding of climatic conditions, and the 

resulting consequence of disease from these conditions, helps to reduce risk in terrestrial space technologies, ground operations, and space research. This 

research addresses conditions which are attributed to climatic conditions which promote environmental conditions conducive to the increase of disease vectors. 

This investigation includes evaluation of local mosquito population count and rainfall data for statistical correlation and identification of planning 

recommendations unique to LaRC, other NASA Centers to assess adaptation approaches, Center-level planning strategies. 

15. SUBJECT TERMS

Adaptation; Change; Climate; Disease; Ground; Mosquitos; Sustainability; Ticks; Vectors

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